Finishing touches at new convention center; public square is next

The new convention center is nearly ready, state officials said at a press tour. Photo: Sipse

Mérida, Yucatán — Sometime during the last week of March, the new International Convention Center of Yucatán will be ready to roll. And in April, the first conventions will roll in, one of international stature.

The state-managed project, which broke ground on Avenida Cupules at Calle 62 in January 2016, cost taxpayers 1.2 billion pesos, which officials point out was built mostly with Yucatecan materials and labor.

The modern and massive complex puts Mérida in a better position to compete with Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Puebla, Guanajuato, La Paz, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco for lucrative trade-show business.

It replaces the smaller Siglo XXI, built in the 1990s, as Mérida’s prime convention space, and puts visitors closer to the heart of the city.

At this late stage, workers are installing audio equipment, noise-insulator panels and voice and data wiring in the main hall, which has a capacity for 4,600 people.

They are also putting the finishing touches on walkways and access systems to allow cargo into the complex.

State official also plan a public square on the Calle 60 side of the parcel, where commercial buildings recently stood.